EDITORIAL: ELECTIONS ARE SPECIAL; VOTE

The four candidates running for two spots on the Menno School Board of Education have given voters living in the Menno School District a gift — they have given them a choice.

In a textbook display of the democratic process, incumbent Jon Schempp is being challenged by Jackie Vaith, Joel Rempfer and Molly Huber in next week’s election, which will take place on Tuesday, April 11.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the fire hall on Menno’s Fifth Street.

In the larger context of elections, school board races in small towns like Menno don’t necessarily compare to higher profile contests like that of state officials or national leaders, but they are equally as important, and maybe even more so. After all, local policy has a more direct impact than national policy on those who have skin in the game; ie: students, parents, staff, taxpayers and general friends of the district.

Elections like the one next week are a foundational principal of people over power. The fact that anyone can run for office — as long as their nominating petition is verified — is at the core of who we are as Americans. That Schempp wants to serve another term, and that Vaith, Rempfer and Huber see the value of leadership in the best interest of their home school district — and are acting on that conviction — helps keep the democratic wheel turning.

Now it’s the people’s turn to participate.

Voter participation in standalone elections like the one in Menno next week is typically low. School board elections around here rarely crack a 20% turnout and have been as low as 10% in more recent years. Considering the importance of a well-functioning school district, of which a well-functioning school board is paramount, it’s perplexing that more don’t vote.

Hopefully, voters living in the Menno School District will be the exception next week and make their choice among the four candidates. To offer a little guidance, The Courier asked those running to complete a Q&A pertaining to several issues relevant to the Menno School District; that Q&A is printed on pages 2 and 3 of this week’s issue.

Jeremy Waltner | Editor & Publisher